Some of the best Christmas moments captured through a lens
In 2017, 26 million people visited the city, which is only home to 56,000 residents. The population is dramatically decreasing due to the high prices of housing. Souvenir shops are replacing bakeries, hairdressers, and bookstores, making it difficult to live there.
This charming place was founded in the 16th century as the first ghetto in the world, when the Venetian Republic forced Jews to live separated from the rest of the city. Nowadays it’s still the center of the Jewish life in the town.
It’s the perfect place to have a "spritz" (a local alcoholic drink) with residents. The street is located in "Castello," one of the less touristy neighborhoods in the city.
Visitors used to stop on Rialto bridge to take photos, but this amazing market really deserves a visit. It’s a good place to buy fresh fish and fruit.
What about enjoying a view of Venice from the water, while getting some exercise at the same time? On the island of Certosa, you can rent a kayak and take a tour with a local guide.
The surface of the island is entirely occupied by an ancient monastery, later used as a lazaretto. In the 18th century, the structure turned into an Armenian monastery with a charming ancient library. It's open to visits once a day.
Avoid tourist cafés if you don’t want to needlessly spend your money. In Piazza San Marco, a coffee can cost up to 12 euros. The normal price for a coffee in Venice is around 1-1.50 euros.
This meal, prepared with stewed cuttlefish and polenta, is simply delightful.
See also: "Italian" food that would make a real Italian cringe
The optimal months to visit Venice are April, May, September, and October, when the temperatures are cooler.
Venice is an archipelago of 118 islands connected by more than 400 bridges. There is a core group of islands, considered the historic center, which rises up on both sides of the Grand Canal.
Click on to find out tips about what to do in the historic center and the surrounding islands of Venice.
Venice is a unique place, that's why it's so often visited. Where else can you find a city built on a lagoon? The water mirrors the beautiful images of the typical Venetian architecture, and at night the light shows are simply astonishing. So, you should still visit the city, just visit it like a local.
Venice is a wonderful city, no doubt about it. However, during the last decades it has become a kind of “Disneyland on the sea,” with million of tourists visiting it every year.
So, what is the best way to enjoy a unique experience in Venice? Fortunately, there are a lot of amazing places off the beaten path.
Check out this gallery of insider tips to find out how to spend a great time in this Italian gem!
Crowds disappear after dinner, so during the night you can enjoy a different, quieter, and more magical Venice.
Taking a ride on a gondola is unreasonably expensive. Instead, take the water bus nº 1 (7 euros) and enjoy its scenic route.
The lagoon is polluted, and swimming there is dangerous due to the marine traffic. Go to Lido island instead to swim in the Adriatic.
Unique ways to discover Venice
Avoiding tourist traps and getting to know the real Venice
TRAVEL Explore
Venice is a wonderful city, no doubt about it. However, during the last decades it has become a kind of “Disneyland on the sea,” with million of tourists visiting it every year.
So, what is the best way to enjoy a unique experience in Venice? Fortunately, there are a lot of amazing places off the beaten path.
Check out this gallery of insider tips to find out how to spend a great time in this Italian gem!